THE public will have to face the prospect of two 48-hour firefighters’ strikes in the New Year.

The Fire Brigades Union announced the two strikes on Friday. Union leaders said the new dates gave a genuine window of opportunity to allow for further detailed talks at ACAS (Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service). FBU General Secretary Andy Gilchrist said: “I’m sure the public understand our continued willingness to do what we can to reach agreement.” The strikes are scheduled for 9am January 28 to 9am on January 30 and 9am February 1 to 9am February 3. The UK fire employers welcomed the completion of the Bain inquiry and plan to consider the report in greater detail in the next few days. The report recommends that firemen should be given an 11 per cent pay rise over two years. The rise includes a four per cent increase backdated to November followed by a seven per cent increase next November if a total reform programme is agreed.